What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is given by KE = 1/2mv², where KE represents kinetic energy, m signifies mass, and v denotes the velocity of the object. This equation arises from the principles of classical mechanics, specifically from the work-energy theorem. Kinetic energy reflects the energy that an object possesses due to its motion.

The mass of the object is multiplied by the square of its velocity, which demonstrates that kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed. This means that if the velocity of an object doubles, its kinetic energy increases by a factor of four, emphasizing the significant impact of speed on kinetic energy. The factor of one-half in the formula accounts for the fact that an object’s energy is proportional to the square of its velocity, aligning with experimental observations in physics.

In contrast, other choices represent different physical concepts. The first option suggests a relationship between mass and height, which corresponds more to potential energy rather than kinetic energy. The third option implies a relationship involving energy and time, which does not accurately reflect the dynamics of kinetic energy. Lastly, the fourth option reflects the work done by a force over a distance, but again does not represent the kinetic energy of an object in motion. Thus, the correct formula for